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Our Team

Abaarso’s success would not be possible without the support of a diverse and talented group of faculty and board members, both in Somaliland and the U.S., who are all incredibly dedicated to the success of the school and the future opportunities of its students.

Executive Staff
Somaliland Board of Directors

Mr. Ahmed Jambir Suldan, Board Chair
Former Interior Minister, Somaliland Ministry of the Interior

Mr. Saeed Ahmed Mohamoud, Board Vice Chair
Independent Consultant

Mr. Ahmed Ibrahim Awale
Chairman, Candlelight for Environment, Education, and Health

Mr. Abdi Hassan Duale
Executive Officer, National Professions Commission

Mr. Omer Jama Farah
Manager, Taakulo Somaliland Community

Sh Mohamed Mohamoud, Religious Scholar

Ms Sihaam Muumin, Abaarso Alumni and Founder of Women’s Health Org

Abaarso Staff
Stephen Finney
Head of School

Stephen has been with Abaarso Network since coming to Abaarso School as a teacher in 2016. Over the years, he has held a variety of positions in school management, teaching, and operations. Stephen helped Abaarso become the only school in the Horn of Africa to be granted NEASC accreditation.

In addition to being Head of School at Abaarso, he also works as the Design and Construction Director for Abaarso Network. He has managed the USAID-funded construction of Barwaaqo University as well as Kaabe School and various projects at Abaarso.

Prior to joining the Abaarso Network, Stephen studied design at Parsons School of Design and later taught graduate courses in representation/spatial analysis and design studios there. He also served as a Peace Corps agroforestry volunteer in Cameroon.

Adebola Akinmulewo
Director of Operations and Finance

Adebola, originally from Delta State, Nigeria, draws inspiration from her upbringing surrounded by strong individuals. She holds both a BSc and an MSc in Microbiology from Covenant University, where her passion for the environment flourished. At Abaarso, her professional journey spans teaching math, managing finances, and overseeing operations. Each role has contributed to her diverse skill set and shaped her into the professional she is today. Outside work, Adebola is an avid volleyball player, a dedicated CrossFit Games enthusiast, and an admirer of Tia Clair Toomey (a six-time crossfit game champion and Olympian). Whether it’s playing volleyball, strength training, catching up on CrossFit Games and reality tv shows, these interests provide a balanced and enriching aspect to her life. Currently, as the Director of Finance and Operations at Abaarso School, she manages the annual budget, expenses, income, and day-to-day operations. This role aligns with her values, allowing her to contribute meaningfully to the Network and the Somaliland community. Excited about future possibilities, Adebola remains committed to continuous growth, exploration, and making a positive impact both personally and professionally.

Ahmed Qalib
Director of Prep School

I’m a graduate of Abaarso School (2016 cohort). I was raised in Hargeisa but never had the opportunity to visit a lot of places in my country. I got the opportunity to attend the University of West Virginia via MasterCard Foundation, where I studied Civil Engineering with an emphasis in transportation and environmental engineering. Before attending Abaarso school as a teacher, I worked with the current chair of the civil and environmental department visiting construction sites to monitor pollution levels. Later in my senior year, I joined a program led by the National Science Association to implement autonomous vehicles in West Virginia.

Tomoki Sasaki
Director of Upper School

Tomoki was born in Ethiopia and raised in the UK, Rwanda, and Kenya. He studied philosophy and anthropology for both his Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in the US. Following his graduate studies, he joined Abaarso School as an English teacher in 2022. Currently, as the Director of Upper School, Tomoki strives to support the faculty team to foster an environment in which Abaarso students can develop intellectually and ethically.

Suubiye Mohamed
Registrar and Tuition Coordinator
Leo Donlea
Teacher

Leo is a distance runner, bread baker, and lover of nature from the state of Washington. He attended the University of Portland receiving a BS in Biology and a Masters of Business Administration while competing for the Division 1 track and cross country teams. Throughout his academic and athletic career, Leo has learned from compassionate leaders that understand the value of learning from failures. As he looks towards a lifetime of pursuing better for people and the planet, he hopes to serve those around him with that same nurturing mindset.

Josephine Adoyo
Teacher

I am from Mombasa, Kenya, and I have a Bachelor of Business Information Technology (Networking Major) from Strathmore University. I previously worked with children in kindergarten as part of my university community service at the Nguuni Animal Sanctuary, which had a computer lab that was donated by a number of donors. There, I taught the children the fundamentals of computers and how to recognize the various parts of a computer device. Working with young minds is a joy for me; in my free time, I also like to cook, work out, and read. I’m thrilled to join the Abaarso community and am hoping to have an impact on the bright minds at Abaarso.

Isaac Earl
Teacher

Isaac is a native of Utah and studied Arabic and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Utah before joining the Peace Corps to teach English in Uganda in 2017. After his Peace Corps service ended, he has continued to teach English in Salt Lake City, Utah to international students from all over the world. He loves to learn about other cultures and languages and share his own with curious learners from across the globe.

Ridge Daka
Teacher

Ridge, a Malawian Native, grew up in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa. He undertook a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Social Science at The South African College of Applied Psychology, majoring in Counseling and Psychology. During his undergraduate, he served as the Class Representative for many of his modules and was the Public Relations Officer for the Student Body for a year. In his free time he has participated in Game Jams, built models in Blender and experimented with digital engines. He loves art, reading and writing and is an avid literary collector.

Jasper Menya
Teacher

Jasper is a Math/Physics Educator and IT enthusiast. He was raised in Lira-Kampala, Uganda in a family that put great importance on the education and future of the young generation. He grew up amidst prominent educators and engineers who are passionate about the fields of math and sciences that really motivated him to pursue a career in Sciences and Technology.

Jasper attained BSc in Education ( Physics and Math) from Kyambogo University Kampala Uganda, and also has a Bachelor in computer science and IT, majoring in Data Science & Networking security from Amity University Uttar pradesh India. Jasper participated in Debate and played football throughout his high school time.

After Graduation, Jasper has taught Math and Physics at different secondary schools using a practical approach both in local and international Curriculum (British curriculum Edexcel- GCSE & IGCSE and American based curriculum). Jasper enjoys designing amazing lessons, assessments and projects to improve the critical thinking of his students. Jasper came to Somaliland and joined Abaarso School of Science and Technology in 2021. He Strong track record fostering Student-centered curriculum and student creativity experience working in education institutions with a solid commitment to the social, academic growth, development of every learner and he breeds success.

Jasper believes he is also a constant learner; he likes it when everyone around him is happy !. In his free time Jasper loves exploring data, playing football, chess, Programming and reading thriller books.

Abdikarim Hussein
Teacher

A Djiboutian-born and a long time Hargeisa resident, Abdikarim came to Abaarso School in 2010. In 2013, He continued his academic endeavors at Northfield Mount Hermon in Massachusetts, USA. In 2016, Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania offered him an admission, so he could pursue a degree in Economics and a minor in Philosophy. After graduating from Swarthmore College, he decided to come back to Somaliland and work for Abaarso for one year. However, his passion for working with multi-faceted and inquisitive young minds convinced him to extend his stay on Abaarso campus. Abdikarim currently teaches Algebra and Geometry at Upper School and manages extracurricular activities. When he is not in class, he enjoys taking long walks and hiking.

Peter Dzah
Teacher

Peter Dzah is a versatile individual with a background in science, agribusiness, finance, education, and research. Peter holds a BSc. in Agribusiness from the prestigious University of Energy and Natural Resources in Ghana and was among the few students to visit the biggest poultry farm in Ivory Coast for a research survey. He has gained valuable experience through internships at the Ministry of Food and Agriculture as well as Integrity Savings and Loans. Peter has also taught at various levels, ranging from junior high to high school, and has been involved in leadership positions advocating for student interests. In addition, Peter worked as a sales manager for an electronic company and has served Ghana as a research assistant at the Ghana Parliament, fulfilling his mandatory national service requirement. I am excited to join the Abaarso team and look forward to being able to inspire students through my chemistry and biology expertise at Abaarso School.

Ali Yasin
Teacher
Abdiaziz Jama
Teacher
Ahmed Abdi
Teacher
Allison Ballweg
Teacher
Guled Cali
Teacher
Silver Enyori
Teacher
Damilola Shomade
Teacher
Abdikaliq Awil
Islamic Teacher